Tuesday, February 3, 2009

I said a while ago that I'd get pictures of me wearing this at a wedding, but the lighting was yellow and warm, which made a cozy setting for the nuptials but the pictures on my point-and-shoot weren't so great. So instead you're getting the standard hallway pics.

FabricWool jersey that I got last year in LA, at a fabulous little store called Fabrics Fabrics (or Fabric Fabric, I couldn't really tell). I think there is some spandex in there too because if you stretch it you can see tiny little shiny fibers. It really was a dream to work with.

Notes on construction/alterationsMarfy patterns don't come with instructions but the patterns pieces are printed with relevant information like letters indicating match points and stitch lines for pleats (see this post). Seam and hem allowances are not included, which I don't mind as it gave me a chance to use my new Olfa rotary cutter extension guide.

I made two alterations after my muslin - (1) a swayback adjustment, and (2) I scooped out the neckline a bit to open it up more, I somehow lost my photograph showing my altered pattern piece, but I didn't slice off more than an inch at the widest point, and I still have pretty good coverage.

I finished the neckline with a strip of the fashion fabric - I folded it in half, stitched it to the right side of the neckline, turned it to the wrong side, and topstitched in place.

I interfaced the hem, including the fold line, with Pro-Tricot fusible interfacing from Sew Exciting. This gives such a nice, durable hem. Using a file folder, I cut a template 1.5" wide, the depth of the hem, and used it to press the allowance up before stitching. I sewed 2 parallel rows of straight stitches just so I wouldn't have to worry about any tunneling that can happen with a twin needle.

ConclusionI'm happy with how it turned out, but this dress will be something I wear only on certain occasions. I can't quite put my finger on what it is, but something about this dress makes me feel like I look 10 years older than I actually am. And I'm not quite ready for that. Still, it was a great style to get my feet wet with Marfy.

I think you did a beautiful job on the dress. I have one outfit that makes me feel the same way. I think I finally figured out what it was about it. Like the Marfy dress, it has batwing sleeves, and I think those make me look matronly. Something about adding width at the bust and upper arms is just not good on me. I love that fabric you used!

Beautiful dress and I think the style is wonderful. I think the dress makes you feel old because you have high contrast coloring, beautiful dark hair, beautiful pale skin and clear dark eyes, but your dress is a very soft contrast print, pale greys and blues that blend softly with one another in a not very distinctive way -- it doesn't "go" with you and kind of fades you out. Just my humble two bits.

I started thinking about the importance of contrast recently reading my husband's book "Dressing the Man." which is an interesting book on men's fashion.

You did a great job on the dress and it looks good on you. I recently saw a show showing a similar dress and they took it from office to night out by using different accessories. Punch it up like Jacinthe said with boots a different belt , kicky jewelry etc. Left as is ,it still looks great!

I have total fabric envy and I think it looks great on you. Maybe play around with the footwear if something feels 'off'. That is one of my favorite neckline finishes! I love how neat and secure it is. Did you have to stretch the fabric strip as you applied to keep the neckline from gaping, or did the fabric behave?

Great job done. Some fabrics should only have a simple, but elegant pattern, like you did. What do you think about a red belt? Maybe you like to visit my blog, i am also sewing and mix my clothes with selfmade pieces.

I think I agree with whoever said that the color is what makes it a little old. It's a conservative style and then a conservative color. Very "office." But some kickass boots or accessories or belt might young it up.

The dress is great and looks like it's very easy to wear in many different settings. But I can see what you mean about the age thing though, I got a bit more conscious of that too a couple of years ago when I hit my 30's. Sometimes I think girls in their late teens/early 20's can pull off that grown up look better than I do! But as others have said, accessories make a huge difference. And the hem Pro-Tricot fusible thing sounds great, I need to try that.